Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Neighborhood · Bến Thành ward (old District 1)

The iconic central market for food, fabrics, and souvenirs.

Local tip: The surrounding night street-food stalls beat the tourist-priced stalls inside.

Landmark · Sài Gòn ward (old District 1)

French-colonial architecture at the city's historic heart.

Local tip: Best photographed early morning before crowds and heat.

Culture · Xuân Hòa ward (old District 3)

Sobering, essential museum on the Vietnam War.

Local tip: Go first thing; allow two hours and prepare emotionally. Tickets can now be booked online, which skips the queue.

Neighborhood · An Khánh ward (old District 2 / Thủ Đức)

Leafy expat enclave with cafés, craft beer, and riverside spots.

Local tip: Where most newcomers end up living — and Metro Line 1 now stops here, which changed the commute.

Nightlife · Bến Thành ward (old Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1)

The backpacker nightlife strip — loud, cheap, and chaotic.

Local tip: Fun once; locals prefer the rooftop bars a few blocks north instead.

Nature · Bình Quới ward (Thanh Đa, old Bình Thạnh)

Green riverside escape with garden restaurants.

Local tip: Take a weekend river boat — a side of Saigon tourists miss.